See into the Future

Don't turn a blind eye to poor eating habits; it could cost you your sight. Tufts University researchers recently observed that a high-glycemic diet nearly triples the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss. A refresher course: Foods that score high on the glycemic index -- fast-digesting carbohydrates, such as white bread, cereal, pasta, and sugar -- boost blood glucose quickly.

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When you eat these high-glycemic foods frequently, your blood-glucose levels are constantly elevated. "Over time, all that excess glucose may damage retinal proteins and cause an inflammatory response, leading to eye disease," says lead study author Chung-Jung Chiu, D.D.S., Ph.D. One instant eye-protection strategy: Toss a handful of almonds on your breakfast cereal. University of Toronto scientists discovered that this approach may significantly lower the glycemic index of a high-carbohydrate meal.

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